High Tea

In my first few months in Singapore, I met a beautiful Malaysian Chinese lady. That is when I was introduced to the word: Peranakan. She is a Peranakan.

Based on Wikipedia, Peranakan refers to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia and Singapore. They are also referred to as Baba-Nyonya. Many were the elites of Singapore. Most have lived for generations along the straits of Malacca. They are known to be good cooks hence, the Peranakan cuisine came about.

I was always curious of Peranakan dishes. I have always wanted to know what are Peranakan foods. I might have tried some of them without me knowing those are actually Peranakan dishes. Eversince, I have always wanted to try out the Peranakan cuisine.

It couldn’t been more appropriate to try out authentic Peranakan cuisine for the first time at a restaurant called The Peranakan, which is conveniently found in Claymore Connect at Orchard Road.

It was a nice sunny Saturday afternoon in Singapore just perfect for a high tea treat.

What is a better way to experience the Peranakan cuisine if not to try out every bit of the dishes in moderate quantities. We tried the The Peranakan High Tea Set. This is good for sharing for two persons.

This set consists of:

1. Kuek Pie Tee – a thin and crispy pastry shell filled with spicy sweet mixture of thinly sliced sauteed radish, mixed of vegetables and prawn

2. Satay Babi Kong Bau Pao – Pork Satay Braised Buns

3. Hai Bee Yam Open Sandwich – Spicy Minced Prawn Sandwich

4. Prawn Ngoh Hiang – Deep Fried Beancurd Skin wrap with minced pork and prawn

5. Mee Siam – Stir Fried Vermicelli with Egg, Chives and Chili Paste

6. Nasi Ulam – Cold Rice with finely cut herbs, spices and slivers of fried and salted fish

7. Kueh Ko Swee – Steam Palm Sugar Cake smothered in coconut

8. Pulot Enti Kelapa – Blue glutinous rice served with coconut mixed with gula melaka syrup

9. Pulot Enti Durian – Glutinous rice with Durian paste

10. Thick Toast served with pure Malaysian Durian puree

11. Goreng Pisang with Gula Melaka drizzle – Deep Fried Banana Fritters

12. Pineapple Tarts – The Peranakan’s signature tarts are also available for takeaways.

The high tea set consists of a selection of traditional Peranakan favourite dishes and desserts which are a mix of sweet and savoury items. These items, however, may change regularly. It is available daily from 11 AM to 5:30 PM, $48 per set on weekdays and $56 per set on weekends.

I enjoyed every item of the set especially the satay babi, pulot enti kelapa, prawn ngoh hiang and mee siam.

A good news for Durian-lovers, The Peranakan also offers a wonderful set of dishes from appetisers, starters, main course and desserts all made of durian. Gila Durian is a pure indulgence of 8 course feast made of pure Malaysian Kanpong, D24 and Maosan Wang durians.

Appetisers
Toasties with Durian Puree
D24 Durian Pengat

Starters
Pandan Chiffon Cake with D24 and Kampung Durian Puree

Main Course
Pulot Enti D24
Fragrant Rice with Maosan Wang Durian

Dessert
D24 Durian Chendol

This durian feast cost $38 per pax (with minimum of 2 pax). This includes free flowing of hot pandan/ lemongrass tea.

I didn’t realize you can make a wide variety of dishes using durian. I wasn’t really a durian fan but living in Singapore, I have gotten use to eating loads of durian and has gotten to love this pungent ‘King of Fruits’. I especially love the toasties dip in durian puree and the decadent durian chendol.

Toasties with Durian Puree

D24 Durian Pengat

Pandan Chiffon Cake with D24 and Kampung Durian Puree

D24 Durian Chendol

Visiting and trying out the dishes at Peranakan restaurant is indeed get the complete Peranakan experience from the authentic dishes, the interior decor and the splashes of memorabilia all around the restaurant.